The images are then merged to create a three-dimensional look at the sample, in this case a fruit-fly embryo.

MSN: Fruit fly embryo grows into larva in 3-D video

The similarity between the genetic make-up of the fruit fly and that of human being is well-known, and scientists are hoping that this breakthrough could eventually lead to understanding of addiction to narcotics.

BBC: Body clock link to cocaine addiction

They were expected to come out with at least one stunning conclusion right off the bat, and they did: Human beings had about 32, 000 genes, give or take several thousand--not that much more than a fruit fly or a worm.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Working with the geneticists' favourite animal, the fruit fly Drosophila, Dr Gibson has pinpointed a series of so-called cryptic variations that have no effect on a protein's structure, but can nevertheless, if the circumstances are right, have a significant effect on the individual they belong to.

ECONOMIST: Genetics gets more complicated